Nov 26, 2024
Blues, History, and Southern Hospitality: Highlights from the 2024 ASSPD Conference in Mississippi
The recent Association of Southeastern State Parks Directors (ASSPD) Conference, held in the scenic landscapes of Central Mississippi, offered attendees a perfect blend of professional engagement and hands-on experiences. Mississippi State Parks selected Blues, History, and good ol' Southern Hospitality as the overarching conference theme. Despite being the second smallest State Park System in the Southeastern Region of Americas State Parks, the Mississippi team showed up and showed out for an astounding event.
Baptized in Blues: Blues music from Mississippi, often referred to as the "Delta Blues," is one of the most influential and soul-stirring musical styles in American history.
- Keith Johnson and the Big Muddy Band set the vibe during our opening reception on Sunday night and laid down an impressive harmonica solo. Keith carries a family legacy in the entertainment industry as he is the great-nephew of Blues icon Muddy Waters. He is also the grandson of Texcellar Fields, a gospel singer from the early 1950s and 1960s.
- We kicked things off with a "boom" early Monday morning as a group from the nationally recognized and beloved Sonic Boom of the South from Jackson State University marched into the conference and provided our National Anthem for the opening ceremony.
- While at Roosevelt State Park for our Night of Lights dinner, guests enjoyed musical stylings from ARTISTIK, a dynamic 7-piece band from Mississippi's "Golden Triangle" region. This band specializes in a diverse repertoire of Blues, Neo-Soul, R&B, Rap, Country, and Gospel. ARTISTIK's unique southern flair combines smooth, sultry vocals reminiscent of legends like Johnnie Taylor, B.B. King, Chris Stapleton, and Frankie Beverly.
- The saxophone player Alexis Cole's solo renditions elevated our closing reception as she filled the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science's event hall with her soothing melodies.
Humbled by History: Guests were immersed in the History of Mississippi State Parks and the state's rich history of serving as the battleground of the Civil Rights Movement.
- Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Park's Director of Media and Marketing, Jeremy Bass, and Chief of Staff, Brian Ferguson, gave attendees an inside look at our rebranding efforts and legislative nuances that increased park funding.
- After raffle giveaways and a few morning announcements, our Tuesday educational sessions included presentations on an economic development study conducted by Chad Miller and his team at the University of Southern Mississippi. Next, Mr. Terrance Yarbrough presented generational differences in the workforce and how to overcome and anticipate the challenges associated with the new generation of workers.
- Our visit to the internationally acclaimed Mississippi Civil Rights Museum was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to secure the rights and freedoms we value today, and it strengthened our commitment to preserving these hard-won principles. The museum left us with a deeper understanding of history and a renewed sense of purpose in our work and lives.
- Guests received a living history lesson from Mr. Hezekiah Watkins. Before lunch, Mr. Watkins relived his story as the youngest person arrested during the 1964 Freedom Riders Summer Campaign Tour in Jackson, Mississippi. His lived experiences and emotional yet light-hearted delivery detailed the early phases of how civil disobedience shaped our country's trajectory for the better. We want to extend a huge thank you to Visit Jackson for helping us secure Mr. Watkins' presence at our conference.
Hospitable Hosts: Guests traveled to Roosevelt State Park and Percy Quin State Park for field trips on Monday and Wednesday for music, food, and fun outdoor activities.
- Roosevelt State Park hosted our first official outing on Monday, the 28th. After touring active campground renovations, guests were encouraged to test their marksmanship skills through our mobile shooting range. Alternative activities were located at the Shadow Lake beach area- where guests could enjoy local baked goods, kayaking, competitive birdhouse painting, and relax in an outdoor lounge area graciously provided by Up Country Camping. Roosevelt staff put together a dazzling "Night of Lights" dinner display, and Harvey's Fish Hut catered for the reception. Once our meal (and drinks) settled, guests were ushered to the Shadow Lake Splash Zone for a surprise over-the-water firework display.
- After the Civil Rights Museum Tours on Tuesday, the 29th, our attendees were able to relax and enjoy a casual night of craft beer, chicken wings, and cornhole at Fertile Ground Brewery. Topping the night off with a delicious, sweet treat from Mayday Ice-Cream. But the party didn't stop there; our hospitality suite continued with karaoke and various mixed drinks late into the night.
- Our last field trip was hosted at Percy Quin State Park in McComb, Mississippi. Upon departure from the buses, guests were greeted by the savory smell of Tasty Smoke BBQ. Our lunch had indoor and outdoor seating options at the rustic Civilian Conservation Core Lodge overlooking Lake Tangipahoa. After lunch, we were swept away to the newly renovated Clem Nettle Campground for sponsor demonstrations and Italian Shaved Ice. ASSPD 2024 made history as our group commemorated Mississippi's first official love lock bridge!
- Guests were encouraged to dress to the nines for our Dinner and Dive closing ceremony, hosted by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. This type of event is typically reserved for exclusive philanthropic endeavors - but Mississippi's planning team knows no bounds. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by our welcoming committee of museum educators and their owls, snakes, and opossums. Once inside, the group was guided downstairs, where a champagne wall, various hors d'oeuvres, and cocktail bars awaited them. La Cour catered dinner, and the museum placed two divers dressed in cocktail attire in our Mississippi River Aquariums as our evening entertainment. I doubt you'll find a diver in a cocktail dress doing the Can-Can with a river turtle anywhere else but in Jackson, Mississippi.
Marking the next chapter for a State Parks legend: On the conference's final day, we invited Lewis Ledford President and CEO of NASPD to the podium to deliver his presentation and annual updates on America's State Parks. Little did he know, we would also recognize his well-deserved retirement from the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) that he has recently announced.
After the presentation, Andre Hollis, Director of Mississippi State Parks, took a moment to express his deep gratitude to Mr. Ledford. Andre shared how much Lewis's unwavering support had meant to him throughout his career, even recalling the warm welcome he received when he joined the National Directors Association years.
Mississippi State Park representatives Andre Hollis, Brian Ferguson, and Sarah Caylor presented Lewis with a commemorative plaque signed by all conference attendees to honor his remarkable contributions to our nation's state parks. From championing the cause of America's State Parks in Washington, D.C., to mentoring countless park leaders, Lewis Ledford, a past ASSPD President and active during the time he was director in North Carolina, has left an indelible mark on all of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him.
Thank you, Lewis, for your tireless dedication, your inspiring leadership, and for being a true advocate for America's State Parks. Your legacy will continue to guide us as we strive to protect and enhance these treasured places for generations to come.
As we concluded this year's conference, the bonds formed and the shared visions for the future of state parks echoed throughout the event. Directors and park professionals left Mississippi with renewed inspiration, innovative ideas, and stronger networks to help elevate their park systems. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated, our generous sponsors, and the hard-working teams who made this event possible. Mississippi was proud to host such a remarkable gathering, and we look forward to seeing everyone again at next year's conference hosted by Virginia State Parks!
By Sarah Caylor, Economic Developer for State Parks
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
